Recovering from Your CRT Procedure

Full recovery from a CRT procedure can take a few days to a few months. You can find some general recovery tips below, but be sure to talk to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions and talk to him or her about resuming normal activities based on your specific situation.

Post-Procedure Guidelines

After your procedure, be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your device, heart rhythm, or medication. In addition, your healthcare team will give you post-operative directions, which may include:

Don’t wear tight clothing that could irritate the skin over your device.

Avoid rubbing your device or the surrounding chest area.

Walk, exercise, and bathe according to your doctor’s instructions.

Tell your other doctors, dentists, and emergency personnel that you have an implanted device and show them your Medical Device Identification card.

Activities and Exercise

Your doctor will help you decide what level of activity is best for you. Some general guidelines include:

Avoid strenuous activity, especially lifting and other activities that use your upper body. This will give the incision where the CRT device was implanted time to heal and the lead(s) time to firmly attach to your heart tissue.

Avoid rough contact that could result in blows to your implant site.

Avoid lifting heavy objects until instructed by your doctor.

Limit arm movements that could affect your lead system as directed by your doctor.

Medical Device ID Card

Whether you’re going away for the weekend or running a quick errand, it’s important to carry your Medical Device Identification Card with you at all times. In an emergency, the card will alert medical and security personnel that you have an implanted device. You will be given a temporary Medical Device ID Card when you receive your CRT device and we’ll mail you a permanent card about six to eight weeks after your implant.

Regular Follow-Up Visits

It’s important to go to all follow-up visits, even if you’re feeling well. These appointments will help your doctor check your CRT device and overall health on a regular basis.

A typical follow-up appointment takes about 20 minutes. During your visit, your doctor or nurse will use a programmer to check your device. They will examine your CRT device’s memory, evaluate how much energy is left in your battery and check to see if you had any arrhythmia episodes since your last visit. If necessary, they will adjust your device’s programmed settings.

When to Call Your Doctor

Your doctor will provide guidelines for when you should contact him or her. In general, call your doctor if you:

Notice anything unusual or unexpected, such as new symptoms or symptoms like the ones you experienced before you received your device.

Have any redness, swelling, or drainage from your incisions.

Develop a fever that does not go away in two or three days.

Receive any arrhythmia therapy from your device and have been instructed to call.

Have symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm and have been instructed to call.

Hear any beeping sounds from your device. This indicates that your device needs to be checked immediately.

Have questions about your device, heart rhythm, or medications.

Plan to travel or move so you can work with your doctor to develop a follow-up plan while you are away.